Should Arsene Wenger rest his prized asset?

onNovember 24, 2012

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has been one of the star performers of the season so far. Thus it’s no surprise that Arsenal’s best chances have come through the dimunitive midfielder’s good work and they have struggled when the Spaniard has not been at his best. This raises the question, whether the former Malaga player could be suffering from fatigue. Cazorla has started all of Arsenal’s 12 Premier League games and also in each of the Champions League outings. With games coming thick and fast from now until December, Arsène Wenger would be hoping he can have a full strength unit to select his personnel from and cannot afford further injuries after being without Diaby and Rosicky for the majority of the season so far.

But can Arsenal afford to rest their prized asset at this crucial juncture in the season? Jack Wilshere has just returned from a long injury layoff and is settling in slowly and with Rosicky still not back in training there aren’t any natural replacements for Santi to make way. But there is a player who could fill his boots, the long forgotten Russian. Andrei Arshavin has a strong case for inclusion when Arsenal take the field on Saturday evening after having impressed in whatever little game time he has got so far this season. Cazorla is vital to whatever Arsenal achieve this season and a rest against Aston Villa might just help him recharge his batteries for the long term.